Police answer bark for help, warn owners of heat danger

Jul 07 2012

Victoria police came to the aid of a dog in distress after it was left in a hot car parked in the sun Friday evening.

Passersby called police about 6 p.m. after hearing the small dog barking loudly in the parked car downtown, said Staff Sgt. Darren Laur.

The windows were cracked open slightly, but the officer noted it would be hot in the car given the 20 C outside temperatures. The doors were unlocked, so the officer opened the door to let the dog out. As that was happening, the owners, who were dining at a restaurant in view of the car, came out to the street.

The officer warned the couple, visiting from Washington state, about leaving animals in vehicles in the sun.

Laur estimated it was the third call Victoria police had received about animals being left in cars during hot weather, which can result in animal cruelty charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.